Healthcare priorities
are up for discussion

Scarborough’s new clinical commissioning group has identified four key priorities which will be their focus over the next five years.

The key areas are: early detection of cancer, cardiovascular (heart and stroke) care, care of the elderly (including long term conditions and end of life care) and mental health.

The list of priorities has been drawn up following public consultation events and feedback from 137 completed surveys.

It was discussed at last week’s Scarborough Urban Area Forum meeting at the Royal Hotel.

Dr Phil Garnett, clinical lead for Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “These are the areas where we have the worst outcomes.

“With cancer, people present here later than in other areas and mental health is an area that does need to be concentrated on.”

Attendees at the meeting were asked to discuss the priorities and give feedback to Dr Garnett and Simon Cox, the CCG’s chief operating officer.

As of April 1, the group will be responsible for commissioning planned hospital care, urgent and emergency care, rehabilitation care, community health services, mental health and learning disability services.

Primary care and specialist services will be the responsibility of the NHS Commissioning Board.

Dr Garnett explained that the changes have come about due to Government reforms, saying: “They thought that having GPs involved in the process would lead to decisions being made that were more appropriate for the local population.

“I believe that or I wouldn’t be stood here now.”

The governing body includes six GPs, including Dr Garnett, along with a chief nurse and lay members, including a representative from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The group represents 17 GP practices in Scarborough and Ryedale, with 103 GPs working in these practices.

It will be responsible for commissioning health services for 117,000 people with a budget for 2013/14 of £145,696 million, which equates to £1,279 a head.

The group is now seeking feedback and suggestions from the public on local healthcare issues. If you would like to comment, particularly on the four key areas listed above, please email nyy-pct.SRCCG@nhs.net